Who Should I Start? Isiah Pacheco or Ladd McConkey

Saturday, October 11, 12:44 AM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco will face off against the Detroit Lions in Week 6. Pacheco handled seven carries for 36 yards and caught three passes for 20 yards in their Week 5 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Pacheco once again split carries with Kareem Hunt, and the latter found the endzone twice last week. Rostering Pacheco has been a frustrating task for fantasy managers, even though he's averaged at least 5.0 yards per carry in three games this season. Despite his efficiency, Kansas City has still preferred Hunt in goal-line situations. It won't be easy to trust Pacheco again this week against the Lions, who are the highest-scoring team in the league. The Chiefs have the highest neutral pass rate in the league, and that trend should continue, given their game has a 52.5 O/U, the highest of the week. Pacheco is ranked RB41 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a desperation flex option despite his efficiency on limited touches.

Sunday, October 12, 8:54 PM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey caught seven of his nine targets for 100 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's Week 6 win over the Miami Dolphins. He ultimately led the team in targets and receiving yards, and he also tied for first in receptions. The 23-year-old had an underwhelming start to the season, but he seems to have turned the corner over the last two weeks. During that two-game span, he has totaled 12 catches, 139 yards, and two touchdowns. This week, he also benefited from the absence of Quentin Johnston (hamstring), but we don't expect McConkey to endure much of a decline when Johnston does return. His production is probably more connected to the effectiveness of the backfield, which isn't a guarantee anymore with Omarion Hampton (ankle) and Najee Harris (Achilles) sidelined. With a solidified role and momentum on his side, McConkey should rank as a high-end WR2 ahead of Week 7 against the Colts.